Carpenter killed in 80-foot fall on Philadelphia jobsite

hard hat concreteWhile working on a high-rise project in Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood, a worker fell to his death Friday

According to a report from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the unidentified man was a carpenter working from 80 feet up on the tower project at Cira Centre. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead soon after arrival.

The worker was employed by Turner Construction Co. which suspended work at the site after the fall.

“We are providing our full support to OSHA, Philadelphia Licenses and Inspections and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments as they investigate the cause of the incident,” Turner spokesman Chris McFadden said in a statement. “We will also conduct our own investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Falls are the number one cause of death in the construction industry. OSHA is encouraging contractors and construction firms to participate in the upcoming fall prevention safety stand-down May 4-15.